"Collaboration is what makes it work”: An interview with Hauke Smidt on the power of teamwork in PIG PARADIGM
Collaboration is the backbone of the Novo Nordisk Foundation–funded PIG PARADIGM project. Few know this better than Hauke Smidt, co PI and head of the microbiome pillar, based at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
After nearly four years in the project, he reflects on how teamwork—across borders, disciplines, and career stages—has shaped the project’s success.
From the beginning, PIG‑PARADIGM was designed as a collaborative enterprise. “The project has several partners, some of which are in Denmark, one in the Netherlands, and one in the United States,” Hauke explains. “I have to say there is a lot of collaboration—not only within departments or universities, but also across.”
The project’s structure, built around scientific pillars that integrate multiple partners, has proven to be one of its strengths. “The whole way the program has been set up… I think that worked really well,” he says. While not every single collaborative link has been equally smooth, Hauke emphasizes that this is normal for projects of this scale: “On paper you always want more, but in practice it’s more difficult. “What really stands out is the positive energy—both among the young researchers and the PIs—which continues to drive the project forward.”
For Hauke, the benefits of collaboration go far beyond scientific outcomes. In Wageningen alone, five PhD candidates are part of the project, co‑supervised by multiple groups. “They collaborate very well,” he says. “Seeing young researchers grow, speak up, and be proactive—I really like that.”
Some PhD candidates even have co-supervisors in Denmark, which Hauke describes as “working out relatively well,” noting that limited funding across borders sometimes makes joint supervision more challenging. Still, the interpersonal dynamics, he says, are a highlight: “Getting to know colleagues and watching young researchers develop is something I find really important in projects like this.”
Communication, cohorts, and lessons learned
The large cohort study—one of the project’s major efforts—has been a strong example of collaboration, though not without learning moments. “There have been moments where we realized communication is really critical to get most out of such an endeavor,” Hauke admits. “In busy periods, you tend to forget other centers are involved. I’ve seen this in many similar projects—it’s not specific to PIG‑PARADIGM.”
Despite this, he describes the atmosphere as open and genuinely cooperative: “Everybody is willing to go the extra mile.”
Looking ahead, Hauke sees multiple paths for the project’s legacy: “It could lead to smaller follow‑up programs… or become a starting point for a larger international initiative.” As an example, existing collaboration agreements between Wageningen University & Research and Aarhus University make long‑term partnerships seem likely.
A strong sense of belonging
Reaching farmers and non-academic stakeholders remains an important task. “Industrial stakeholders are easier to involve because many have scientific backgrounds,” he explains. “But for farmers, many researchers need to shift gears.”
His suggestion? Tailored messaging. “We need both a more scientific message and a broader interpretation that speaks to farmers and stakeholders.”
For Hauke personally, PIG‑PARADIGM has been a rewarding experience. “What I really like about this project is that it’s very big—more than 50 participants—but at the same time also very well focused. There’s a strong common sense of belonging with a common goal.”
Asked what he would improve if the project were repeated, he answers simply: “I’m not sure I would improve anything. It’s been extremely well organized.”